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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Think Tank Retrospective 5 vs Ona Bowery vs Billingham Hadley Small | |
I've only used a Billingham, and in my case the Hadley Pro. I bought it almost on a whim during a layover in Heathrow, but having read about them in the past. It's my go to daily bag, whether I'm carrying camera gear or just a bag for work with a water bottle, snacks, headphones, etc.
It accomodates, for example, a Sony A7 with 16-35 mounted, 55/1.8, and a CV 35/1.2 with ease, and you could carry a mirrorless body with four lenses, two stacked on each side with the included dividers, if the lenses are of the smaller variety. It has just enough room for my 13" rMBP in a sleeve set between the back side of the insert and the bag. The front pockets can hold more than you'd think. I rarely use the rear zip pocket. The bag itself is very light for its size compared to competitors.
Great to work out of with their leather strap and brass knob closure system. When I'm shooting I leave them unfastened. You can fold the flap all the way back over the back side if you want instant access to lenses for swaps. I cannot overstate the value of the top handle, which is well integrated into the top of the bag. Way easier to pick up and hold while getting the shoulder strap all set. The strap itself, which doesn't go all the way around the bottom of the bag, is at least reinforced at its attachment sites to the bag with leather.
I wouldn't take this out in the rain on purpose, but mine has been fine in some light rain. The lid design makes it such that water won't flow into the bag, and the canvas will just swell up when wet to keep significant water from penetrating. In combination with the insert, your gear will be fine.
All three are fine bag options, just have to pick the style that works best for you. But if you go with a Hadley, I'd recommend checking out some YouTube videos and think about the slightly larger Pro.
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